Ahmedabad, India — Bas de Leede savored the T20 World Cup 2026 experience despite Netherlands’ 17-run defeat to co-hosts India on Wednesday at the packed Narendra Modi Stadium. The all-rounder, who top-scored with 33 off 23 balls, called the tournament a rare highlight in his career.

“Yeah, it was amazing,” de Leede said at the post-match press conference, according to the ICC website. “I think all of the guys enjoyed it. It’s probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play for so many people.”

Netherlands wrapped up their group stage with one win in four matches. India and Pakistan advanced to the Super 8s from Group A, leaving the Dutch, Namibia and the USA to exit early. De Leede pointed out his side’s competitiveness against powerhouses. They pushed India and Pakistan hard at times, even after a heavy loss to the USA.

Associate teams like Netherlands showed real promise, de Leede argued. He pushed for more games against elite opponents. “We can only ask for more and more opportunities against the best because that’s ultimately the way that we’re going to improve as a collective,” he said.

Scheduling full series proves tough, he acknowledged. De Leede floated practical fixes. Touring teams heading to England could play warm-ups in Scotland or the Netherlands. “I think there’s ways around that where we still can get exposure of playing against the best teams and they get something out of it as well,” he added.

With no fixtures until a World Cup qualifier series in June, the Dutch players face a short break. Training resumes soon after.

India set a challenging 193 for 5 after winning the toss and batting first. Shivam Dube smashed 66 off unspecified balls with four fours and six sixes. Hardik Pandya chipped in with 30 off 21 balls, including three sixes. Early setbacks saw Abhishek Sharma out for 0 and Ishan Kishan for 18. Tilak Varma made 31 off 27 and Suryakumar Yadav 34 off 28, but Dube and Pandya accelerated.

Netherlands slipped to 51 for 2 chasing. De Leede and Colin Ackermann fought back with a 43-run partnership. Ackermann scored 23 off 15 balls with a four and two sixes. India regained control. Zach Lion-Cachet (26 off 16) and Noah Croes (25 not out off 12, five fours) added 47 at the death. Netherlands finished at 176 for 7.

De Leede’s words highlight associate cricket’s rise. Limited exposure holds them back, he said, but creative scheduling could change that. The tournament exposed gaps but also glimpses of potential against full members.